Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of teens, and the handbook asks parents to be active partners. A signed Teen-Parent Driving Agreement spells out the risks, the rules and the consequences.
Why teens are at risk:
- Crashes are the #1 cause of death for 15–19-year-olds
- Most teen crashes happen in the first two years of licensing; the first six months are the most dangerous
- The brain's risk-and-danger center isn't fully developed until the mid-20s
- Crash risk rises with teen passengers and with the number of passengers
- Fatal crashes are more likely at night; young drivers are at higher risk of drowsy driving
- Teens have the lowest seatbelt use rate
What parents should do:
- Enforce passenger limits and the state curfew at home
- Require your teen to buckle up
- Model zero drinking and driving — Connecticut has a Zero-Tolerance Law for teens
- Teach about distractions: phones, passengers, texting, radio, unrestrained pets
- Avoid high-performance vehicles or older models lacking newer safety technology
- Explain financial liability: higher family insurance rates and liability for injuries or damage
- Set household rules and consequences, and stick to them
Supervised practice before driving solo
| Standard | Hours |
|---|---|
| Required by Connecticut law | At least 40 hours |
| Recommended by the handbook | At least 100 hours |
Know the rule
Connecticut allows 16-year-olds to get a permit, but an adult must decide whether the teen is ready. Connecticut allows parents to block teens from getting a license.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
Complete and sign the Agreement when the teen gets a learner's permit, and review it again when the teen gets a license.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
Passing a training course and getting a license means a teen is only a beginner — not a safe driver.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Teen obligations in the Agreement include:
- Get permission every drive; agree on route, destination, return time and passengers; no joyriding
- Wear a seatbelt and make every passenger wear one
- No texting or phone use, even hands-free
- No driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m. except school, job, medical or religious reasons, or Safe Rides
- Never drive impaired or without enough rest; call the supervising adult for a ride
Know the rule
The Agreement stays in effect for at least 12 months or until the teen turns 18, whichever is later.
Handbook p. 33 ↗Put it into practice
Your parent agrees to pick you up any time, for any reason, to help you avoid a dangerous situation. Under the Agreement, calling for that ride does not count as a violation.